Despite the nearest case being miles away, people are working from home and home schooling with that weary resignation tinged by a bleak sense of deja vu.

Frustrated and even depressed by all this, the community however has responded with the concrete action that poses the best chance of regaining its freedom.

Because this year there is a difference.

Beyond just complying with inhibiting rules, people know getting a vaccination is one tangible step toward a collective protection and a way out of the misery.

And they are answering in droves, young and old.

The state governments release of 450,000 doses of Pfizer was met a staggering 98 percent uptake in bookings in just two days.

So the shortage of supply and booking slots is all the more frustrating when community willingness is so strong.

This needs to be the top priority of the federal and state governments, lest all this energy and goodwill evaporate.